I have never considered myself artistic. I really, really can NOT/NOT (foreign service speak) draw, or paint, or color, for that matter. Even though I have been accused of being crafty by many, I have never felt proficient -- with a sewing machine (my seams still aren't super straight), sewing needle or knitting needles. A few years back, I was really impressed with myself for making sweaters! But, because I am capable of reading, interpreting and following patterns, I have been considered quite crafty by many. (I feel compelled to note that those skills have also been useful with cooking & some think I am a good cook for the same reason).
Then, less than a year ago, I knit something to felt it. I fell in love. It was like I was a painter who had only been drawing with pencils her whole life. I really enjoyed drawing (knitting, in my case), but not enough to do it all day. I didn’t know I was an artist – just that I liked being sort of crafty. I used to say that it helped me stay balanced - otherwise I might spend all my free time reading! Now, for the first time in my life, I have the suspicion I might be an artist – who only just now found her medium.
As I said, I fell head over heels in love with felting. I still really enjoy knitting – as I imagine painters feel about drawing. I learn a lot from my knitting and it is an integral part of my process as a felter, but I adore the alchemy of felting. It means I get to make magic – it is more like sculpting than knitting. Although, over the past couple of months, I have begun to have the feeling of sculpting while I knit. Perhaps most importantly, while I get the joy of creating, I get the pleasure of knowing that what I make will be USED & enjoyed, especially by children! That has got to be the true meaning of being a craftswoman – the combination of creating beauty & seeing it used and enjoyed by those around you.
Most days, I can't wait to get started and really hate to stop, for anything. Needless to say, the house isn't looking too great. I have lists and lists of things I would like to try, to make, to test. But, I think the most exciting part of my new work is that I really don't know exactly what I am about to do. I plan, yes, but I also let things evolve in my hands. When I really have no idea how something should look, I put my hands to it and discover. I had no idea I would ever be able to do anything like that and it is FUN. The process is engrossing, exciting and full of surprises. No wonder I never want to stop at the end of the day.
So, this week, what have I been creating? A little of this and a little of that. More faerie garlands, a new tooth fairy, and a trio of crowns. In another post, sometime soon, I will write about technical problem-solving (in this case, designing the best closures for different sized crowns). But for now, I will just share some pics and get back to my knitting!
